…Endows ₦2 Million For Best Graduating Female Students in the Department Of Psychology
The Lateefat Odunuga National Scholarship Foundation has awarded scholarships worth two million, one hundred thousand naira (₦2,100,000) to five students with disabilities at Lagos State University (LASU).
The presentation ceremony was held on Thursday, 18th September 2025, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
In addition, the Foundation instituted an endowment of two million naira (₦2,000,000) for the best graduating female students in the Department of Psychology.
The initiative is designed to inspire young women in the discipline, encourage healthy competition, and further strengthen the culture of academic excellence at LASU.
The five outstanding recipients, Praise Onoigboria, Dominion Uzoma, Rachel Oladosu, Paul Hunga, and Nosiru Idowu were accompanied to the ceremony by the Deputy Registrar of the Disability Support Office, Mrs Bukola Afolami-Arojojoye.
With Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs) ranging impressively from 3.71 to 4.35, they stood as shining examples of resilience, excellence, and the limitless possibilities of determination.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo, expressed profound appreciation to the Foundation, describing its gesture as “more than charity, but empowerment and equity in action”.
She noted that the support affirms every student’s right to learn, grow, and thrive regardless of circumstance.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised that the Foundation’s endowment for the best graduating female students in psychology is a forward-looking investment that will motivate female students to pursue excellence in a discipline critical to understanding human behaviour, mental health, and societal development.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello remarked that while institutions may teach, it is kindness and visionary support such as that of the Lateefat Odunuga National Scholarship Foundation that truly helps students flourish. She expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to blossom and inspire others to follow in the Foundation’s noble footsteps.
Delivering her speech virtually, the donor and founder, Ms Lateefat Odunuga, an alumna of LASU’s Department of Psychology, explained that her decision to establish the scholarship and endowment was rooted in her personal journey and the promise she made to give back.
She described the initiative as a deliberate effort to recognise students who are often overlooked, particularly those with disabilities, while also empowering young women in psychology to aspire to greater heights. She added that the scholarship was not only about financial support but about building a legacy of inclusivity, excellence, and opportunity at LASU.
Ms Odunuga expressed gratitude to the university’s leadership for fostering an enabling environment that welcomes such gestures and encouraged the beneficiaries to see this as the turning of a new page in their stories. She urged them to one day return to give back, thereby creating a cycle of empowerment for generations to come.
The Director, Lagos State University Directorate of Advancement (LASUDA), Prof. Rafiu Okuneye, whose office facilitated the scholarship and endowment, emphasised the significance of the support for students with disabilities. He noted that their journey into the university is often marked by extra layers of determination and sacrifice, and as such, they deserve every possible opportunity to thrive.
Prof. Okuneye commended the collaborative role played by various departments in identifying and supporting the beneficiaries and lauded the Foundation for its financial commitment and dedication, describing the initiative as a testament to equal opportunity and inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Praise Onoigboria expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Lateefat Odunuga National Scholarship Foundation and Lagos State University for extending such a life-changing opportunity to students with disabilities.
She described the scholarships as a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to the impact of kindness, noting that they would allow beneficiaries to focus fully on their academics while pursuing their passions.
Onoigboria further underscored the importance of inclusivity and pledged, on behalf of her peers, to excel in their studies and to serve as ambassadors of the Foundation’s generosity.
The team from the Lateefat Odunuga Foundation was led to the campus by the team lead, Barr. Deji Folson. Other members included Mr Olatunde Ayodele, Mr Olanrewaju Aluko, Mr Olajide Kadri, and Mr Kabiru AbdulKareem.
The Registrar, Mr Emmanuel A. FANU, gave the vote of thanks at the event.
The ceremony was well attended by members of the university management, senior officials of the Vice-Chancellor’s office, Legal Unit, LASUDA, Disability Support Office, and the Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR).
